A gold medal in the 84 kg freestyle category at the 2012 Olympics remains the defining peak of Sharif Sharifov’s amateur wrestling career. His athletic development began in Gunukh, Charodinsky District, Dagestan, where he was born on 11 November 1988, eventually building a career that spanned multiple international championships.
Competitive Record and Olympic Performance
Sharifov established his presence on the international circuit through consistent performance in major wrestling events. Following his 2012 gold medal, he continued to represent his country at the highest levels of the sport. At the 2016 Games, he competed in the 86 kg freestyle division. During that tournament, he registered wins against Bi Shengfeng and Zbigniew Baranowski. After a loss to Abdulrashid Sadulaev, he faced Pedro Ceballos in the repechage, where he earned a bronze medal.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Recognition and Honors
The wrestler’s career includes notable finishes at world and continental levels. Beyond his Olympic successes, he earned a first-place finish at the World Championships. His performance record also notes a bronze medal achievement at the European Championships. In recognition of his athletic contributions, he was awarded the Taraggi Medal. His background involves dual citizenship with Russia and Azerbaijan, though his competition identity is primarily associated with the latter.
Career Context and Evolution
His trajectory reflects the realities of modern professional sport, where access to coaching and training infrastructure determines competitive longevity. His involvement in the sport spanned events including the 2019 European Wrestling Championships. As his career progressed, the athlete navigated the requirements of weight class changes and intense international training protocols. Records concerning his professional status remain active, reflecting a career built within the systems of Azerbaijani wrestling.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 November 1988, Gunukh, Dagestan
- Citizenship: Russia and Azerbaijan
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2012 (84 kg freestyle)
- Olympic Bronze Medal: 2016 (86 kg freestyle)
- Awards: Taraggi Medal
- Sport: Amateur freestyle wrestling
Questions readers ask
What weight classes did Sharif Sharifov compete in?
He competed in the 84 kg event at the 2012 Olympics and the 86 kg event at the 2016 Olympics.
What major international awards has he received?
He has won an Olympic gold medal, an Olympic bronze medal, a World Championship gold, and a European Championship bronze, along with the Taraggi Medal.
Achievements
- Competed at wrestling at the 2012 Summer Olympics – men's freestyle 84 kg, 2019 European Wrestling Championships and wrestling at the 2016 Summer Olympics – men's freestyle 86 kg
- Discipline: amateur wrestling and wrestling
